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TUKWILA, Wash. — Major League Soccer announced on Thursday that Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris is ranked No. 3 in the league’s annual “24 Under 24” list, ranking the 24 best players under the age of 24.
Morris has done exceptionally well in his rookie season, scoring 10 goals, including five game-winners, an MLS rookie record. After a slow start at the beginning of the season, Morris has finally come into his own and is making the most of his opportunities.
“It’s cool, it’s obviously an honor to be on that list with some other really great young players,” Morris said. “[I’m] getting confidence. I feel more comfortable playing now, just being around for longer and being with my teammates and gelling. It was a big transition from college to the pros so the first few games were a little tough.”
Morris has solidified his role as the team’s lone striker since interim head coach Brian Schmetzer took over in late July and implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation. He’s been running through channels and benefitting from midfield play from Clint Dempsey and new Designated Player Nicolas Lodeiro, and the Sounders have been reaping the benefits.
Morris finished behind only Orlando City SC’s Cyle Larin and New York City FC’s Jack Harrison.
“[Morris is] in good company,” said Schmetzer. “That top three, I don’t think there’s any coach in our league that would not want to have any of those players on their team…I enjoyed 24 Under 24 because we need more younger players to come up through the ranks and provide some stimulus for the league.
“Whenever it’s an Academy kid like Jordan, a local kid done good, that story gets even better.”
Morris joins midfielder Cristian Roldan as the Sounders’ representation on the list. Roldan came in at No. 24, but Morris said he “probably should have been a little higher.”
The accolades are nice and he appreciates being recognized, but Morris doesn’t put much stock into where he falls on the list.
“It’s just people’s opinions,” Morris said. “It’s great to be on this list with some good players, but you can’t read into where you are at all. If you’re high, you have to keep working hard.”